The Suns with the 2018 #1 overall pick select....

[Mainstreet]

McD said they've brought in 2 prospects for the #1 pick so far and plan on bringing in a few more over the weekend. I know that's clear but I'm curious who else will come in. Probably Bamba, maybe Young and Porter.


McD also said that Bender and Chriss being with the Suns won't effect who they draft. They're good players but they're young and developing and the Suns need to add talent and depth.

Bordow did mention a top grouping of Ayton, Bagley, Bamba, Jackson and Doncic for the #1 pick. However, I'm not sure if it plays out this way in the workout process.

 

[Hoop Head]

It wouldn't surprise me if they only bring in one of those 3, Bamba, Young, and Porter. I could see one of those players declining also because they know Phoenix isn't going to pick them. Who? I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me if we hear one won't come in because the Suns are set on Ayton and they don't want to waste their time.

 

[Mainstreet]

McDonough did not knock down Bagley's comparison to Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion. That's some elite company.

 

[Hoop Head]

McDonough did not knock down Bagley's comparison to Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion. That's some elite company.

McD made the Marion comparison, Bagley said Amare and J-Rich. I was surprised McD brought up Marion when talking about Bagley's ability to jump again, or his second jump. Marion had one of the best second jumps in the league and that's why he was such a good rebounder for his size. His athleticism was through the roof. He probably jumped higher on his second attempt than his first and his recovery to get back up a second time was super quick. He'd barely hit the floor before he was back in the air again. I haven't seen that from Bagley but I haven't seen that from too many players in general.

I wish they had a highlight reel from the workout ready to be played with the player during these little press conferences. That would help a lot, not just in judging what the player could do but it could also answer what the teams had them do, who they worked out with, and show some of the more impressive things they did. You know they record the workouts to study later and it's not like the teams production people aren't accustomed to putting packages together during games already, so doing a highlight video during a workout or after should be fairly easy for them. Give us a 1-2 minute sizzle reel of sorts.

 

[Mainstreet]

McD made the Marion comparison, Bagley said Amare and J-Rich. I was surprised McD brought up Marion when talking about Bagley's ability to jump again, or his second jump. Marion had one of the best second jumps in the league and that's why he was such a good rebounder for his size. His athleticism was through the roof. He probably jumped higher on his second attempt than his first and his recovery to get back up a second time was super quick. He'd barely hit the floor before he was back in the air again. I haven't seen that from Bagley but I haven't seen that from too many players in general.

I wish they had a highlight reel from the workout ready to be played with the player during these little press conferences. That would help a lot, not just in judging what the player could do but it could also answer what the teams had them do, who they worked out with, and show some of the more impressive things they did. You know they record the workouts to study later and it's not like the teams production people aren't accustomed to putting packages together during games already, so doing a highlight video during a workout or after should be fairly easy for them. Give us a 1-2 minute sizzle reel of sorts.

Agree with everything you say about Marion. For Bagley to even be compared to Marion in regard to jumping ability is saying something. My guess is McDonough was responding to previous comparisons of Bagley to Stoudemire and Marion.

In regard to the workout video, my guess is the Suns want to keep most of this content private, even some of the highlights. It would have been nice though if they would have shown some.

 

[mojorizen7]

Love all this speculation stuff. The dark side of me though can't help but wonder what would happen if the Suns, who finally have the #1 pick, end up reaching and taking someone nobody thought they would take.

This board might go into full nuclear meltdown mode.

You must be registered for see images attach

Up until 7 or 8 years ago yeah, i would be leading the charge of full blown nuclear Suns mutiny in here, but my heart just doesn't burn anymore for this franchise that, despite some bad luck, some success...just hasn't been a very smart franchise in terms of championship basketball "stuff" IMO.

I follow the players, the news, listen to(on car radio) and watch a handful of games every year, and i am now the definition of a casual Suns fan.

If the Suns don't draft Ayton i'll just shake my head, roll my eyes and go on about my day.

 

[Mainstreet]

With draft insight from Bordow and other lottery teams, here is a new mock.

I wished it covered the entire first round.

https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grind-city-media/mikecheck-nba-mock-draft-2-180608

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

In this mock Doncic goes #2 and Young goes #6.

 

[Hoop Head]

With draft insight from Bordow and other lottery teams, here is a new mock.

I wished it covered the entire first round.

https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grind-city-media/mikecheck-nba-mock-draft-2-180608

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

In this mock Doncic goes #2 and Young goes #6.

I can't see Young lasting past #6 and Orlando. The Magic need a PG almost as badly as we do and they won't pass on the chance to add Young. They've struck out with Defensive Guards in the past, Payton and Oladipo, and while some would say they gave up too quickly on Oladipo, they gave Payton plenty of time to solidify himself as their franchise PG. Young gives them a potential franchise PG but one who has the potential to be one of the best offensive players in this draft. Unless Doncic also slips to #6 with Young still on the board, they'll take Young.

I can't see the Hawks gambling on Jaren Jackson at #3. That could get someone fired. I know he has a lot of upside and may be a better player than Bamba and Bagley but I don't think you can pass on both of them for Jaren. Especially when they need a lot of help all over their roster. A franchise big would help but Jackson probably has a lower floor than Bamba and he's not even close to Bagley's level right now. Bagley could join the Hawks and be Rookie of the Year there because their roster is severely lacking talent. I wouldn't be too shocked if the Hawks work out a deal with Sacramento to swap picks so they could take Doncic. He'd be a good player next to Schroeder in their backcourt and could make up for Schroeder's lack of playmaking.

I like the rest of the mock, Bamba at 5 to Dallas makes sense, they'll take him or Jaren Jackson. If both are available that's tougher to predict but probably Bamba, he seems more like a Dallas player than Jackson. Carlisle could probably help him reach his potential as well.

If the Cavs can draft Michael Porter Jr I think they'll be in a good position if Lebron decides to bail. He could be their next star and if Lebron stays, he'd be a good forward to play with him and develop with Lebron's tutelage. That could make him scary good in the future.

The rest has Shai, Sexton, and Zhaire all going in the lottery so the Suns would be a bit screwed with #16 but their should be someone worth picking there still.

 

[Mainstreet]

Up until 7 or 8 years ago yeah, i would be leading the charge of full blown nuclear Suns mutiny in here, but my heart just doesn't burn anymore for this franchise that, despite some bad luck, some success...just hasn't been a very smart franchise in terms of championship basketball "stuff" IMO.

I follow the players, the news, listen to(on car radio) and watch a handful of games every year, and i am now the definition of a casual Suns fan.

If the Suns don't draft Ayton i'll just shake my head, roll my eyes and go on about my day.

Good times are ahead. We will reserve you a court side seat.

 

[Mainstreet]

I can't see Young lasting past #6 and Orlando. The Magic need a PG almost as badly as we do and they won't pass on the chance to add Young. They've struck out with Defensive Guards in the past, Payton and Oladipo, and while some would say they gave up too quickly on Oladipo, they gave Payton plenty of time to solidify himself as their franchise PG. Young gives them a potential franchise PG but one who has the potential to be one of the best offensive players in this draft. Unless Doncic also slips to #6 with Young still on the board, they'll take Young.

I can't see the Hawks gambling on Jaren Jackson at #3. That could get someone fired. I know he has a lot of upside and may be a better player than Bamba and Bagley but I don't think you can pass on both of them for Jaren. Especially when they need a lot of help all over their roster. A franchise big would help but Jackson probably has a lower floor than Bamba and he's not even close to Bagley's level right now. Bagley could join the Hawks and be Rookie of the Year there because their roster is severely lacking talent. I wouldn't be too shocked if the Hawks work out a deal with Sacramento to swap picks so they could take Doncic. He'd be a good player next to Schroeder in their backcourt and could make up for Schroeder's lack of playmaking.

I like the rest of the mock, Bamba at 5 to Dallas makes sense, they'll take him or Jaren Jackson. If both are available that's tougher to predict but probably Bamba, he seems more like a Dallas player than Jackson. Carlisle could probably help him reach his potential as well.

If the Cavs can draft Michael Porter Jr I think they'll be in a good position if Lebron decides to bail. He could be their next star and if Lebron stays, he'd be a good forward to play with him and develop with Lebron's tutelage. That could make him scary good in the future.

The rest has Shai, Sexton, and Zhaire all going in the lottery so the Suns would be a bit screwed with #16 but their should be someone worth picking there still.

I like your thoughts about Atlanta. The Hawks will likely let the draft come to them and take Doncic or Bagley (depending on who is there) at #3. The Grizzlies might like Gasol and Jackson.

 

[ColdPickleNachos]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[overseascardfan]

I wonder if PHX is really contemplating a move up to acquire another Top 5 pick, that would make sense bringing in all these guys and them ending up falling in love with more than 1.

 

[Good Guy]

I wonder if PHX is really contemplating a move up to acquire another Top 5 pick, that would make sense bringing in all these guys and them ending up falling in love with more than 1.

It's a good move to get a close look at these guys even if they think they are set with #1. But having all these players in to work out allows McDonough to trade down a couple picks to copy the Celtics/Tatum model and have some justification for "getting the guy we wanted all along."

 

[TJ]

It's a good move to get a close look at these guys even if they think they are set with #1. But having all these players in to work out allows McDonough to trade down a couple picks to copy the Celtics/Tatum model and have some justification for "getting the guy we wanted all along."

Why does McD need anymore assets? We’re at the tail end of this tank job and have enough quality draft picks, talent, and cap space to start legitimately winning basketball games. This is the draft to use those assets to move up, not down. The only move at #1 that makes sense is taking Ayton. McD would need to be fired if that did t happen. What would make McD a hero is if he were to jump back into the top-5 or even top-10 after taking Ayton and then take another top-tier talent. Next season’s draft class isn’t nearly as deep as this one.

 

[SweetD]

I would be excited if we could package some assets and get Bagley as well. He could be the next KD.

 

[devilalum]

I wonder if PHX is really contemplating a move up to acquire another Top 5 pick, that would make sense bringing in all these guys and them ending up falling in love with more than 1.

The players and their agents and everybody else understands the situation far better than any of us do and they're all OK with these guys working out. There are all sorts of trade possibilities out there but no way the Suns draft Ayton and Bamba. Those two together make no sense at all in the modern NBA.

The only way the Suns draft Bamba is if they trade down or he utterly blows them away today.

 

[1tinsoldier]

if phx decided on Ayton, why interview others?
because they will, as we've speculated, make offers for another top pick.
the question is, how serious about it they are,
and, as we've debated, how much to offer?

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

if phx decided on Ayton, why interview others?
because they will, as we've speculated, make offers for another top pick.
the question is, how serious about it they are,
and, as we've debated, how much to offer?

The fact that they are working out other players for the #1 pick does not mean they are truly planning on moving back up. They could simply be doing these workouts as a backup plan in case something happens to Ayton or information comes out that changes their mind. Anything can happen between now and draft night and thus they need to be prepared in case something does.

 

[Covert Rain]

if phx decided on Ayton, why interview others?
because they will, as we've speculated, make offers for another top pick.
the question is, how serious about it they are,
and, as we've debated, how much to offer?

Because it’s smart? Anything can happen between now and draft day. If it does you better be prepared or your front office should be fired.

 

[devilalum]

Because it’s smart? Anything can happen between now and draft day. If it does you better be prepared or your front office should be fired.

Yeah, "stuff" happens.

You must be registered for see images

 

[Hoop Head]

They're working these guys out so they can make an informed decision if the Hawks, or someone, comes offer the #3 pick for the #1 but they're also willing to include their next 2 #1 picks, one in 2020 and the second in 2022. That isn't going to happen but if it did it would be foolish to turn it down simply because they only worked out Ayton and don't know the quality of players out there at 3 to see if it's worthwhile for them.

 

[Mainstreet]

Jaren Jackson Jr. will be the Suns final candidate for the #1 pick.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[1tinsoldier]

sure, they're doing their due diligence
but offers will be made, even if they are only lowball

 

[sunsfan88]

I would be excited if we could package some assets and get Bagley as well. He could be the next KD.

Really good article on Bagley. Compares favorably with Ayton

https://www.thestepien.com/2018/04/19/offensive-upside-deandre-ayton-vs-marvin-bagley/

 

[Hoop Head]

Really good article on Bagley. Compares favorably with Ayton

https://www.thestepien.com/2018/04/19/offensive-upside-deandre-ayton-vs-marvin-bagley/

The Stepien has been ridiculously low on Ayton all year. They had him at #6 or #7 on their big board for most of the year. Right now they have Wendall Carter ahead of him. They have Doncic at the top of their board in a tier on his own. They have Trae Young and Jaren Jackson in their 2nd tier. Then they have Wendall Carter, Bagley, and then Ayton in their 3rd tier, which Michael Porter is also in, just below Ayton.